Moog has unveiled the Grandmother semi-modular, analogue synth, that allows users to create sounds with or without patch cables…

Said to be inspired by Bob Moog’s modular synths of the 60s and 70s, the Grandmother has no presets or recall, but does feature an arpeggiator, sequencer, spring reverb, analog filter and external audio input, which Moog tell us can be used for treating other sounds through the synth’s effects engine.

Those not particularly interested in the modular angle can create sounds straight off the bat, but for those who want to tink, there’s 41 individual patch points to experiment with. Other Moog synths and Eurorack gear can be used in unison with the Grandmother to create a bigger system.

Grandmother key features:

• 100% analog synthesizer with 32-note Fatar keybed
• Semi-modular design, requires no patching to play
• All normalized connections can be interrupted for full modularity
• Hardware Spring Reverb can be used to process external sounds
• 1/4” External audio input for guitars, drum machines, and more
• Easy to use Arpeggiator and Sequencer
• Store up to 3 sequences with up to 256 notes each
• 2 Analog Oscillators with selectable waveshape and hard sync
• Classic 4-Pole 10Hz-20kHz Ladder filter
• Patchable 1-Pole High Pass filter
• Analog ADSR Envelope Generator
• Analog LFO with audio-rate capabilities
• DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB MIDI
• Patchable bipolar attenuator
• Works with Mother-32, DFAM, Eurorack modular systems and more
• 41 patch points with 21 inputs, 16 outputs and a Parallel-Wired 4-jack Mult

Pricing and Availability:
The synth will make it’s official debut at this year’s Moogfest in a couple of days, and the first 500 special edition units already available for $899 exclusively through Guitar Center.

Sonivox has released the new Stratum synth, which combines a supersaw synth with a 4 operator FM synth. Joshua Casper takes the reins to show off it’s many features…

Put on your shades and get on board the time machine, as Stratum will take you down the wormhole straight into the 1980s futuristic soundscapes. By combining the fat, wide supersaw oscillators with the classic, rich sounding FM engine, we have brought synth technology of different eras together to give you THE SOUND of future-past.

Stratum will provide you with all you need to create tracks in a variety of retro-inspired genres, be it synthwave, retrowave, outrun, cinematic electronica, 8-bit chiptunes, you name it. These timbres are gaining popularity fast and, if you want to keep up with the wave, check out Stratum. The instrument will also prove of great use in techno, trance, lo-fi hip-hop and EDM, bringing a blast from the past to spice up your tracks.

Stratum, a virtual instrument by Sonivox, is a rock-solid layering of a classic Supersaw synthesizer and a 4 operator FM synthesizer. Originally made famous by the Roland JP-8000, the Supersaw waveform has made a strong comeback in the trance and hardcore genres due to its edgy sound, particularly in synth leads and synth basses. Stratum takes this a step further by combining this classic waveform with a 4-operator FM synth, a noise generator and sub oscillator to produce a virtual instrument perfect for modern synthwave, vaporwave and retro electro productions like those found in the recent hit series “Stranger Things” and the movie “Synchronicity OST”.

Stratum also features two low-pass filters, a vocal formant filter, and a tube distortion circuit to further enhance your sounds, all controllable by a simple modulation matrix featuring 4 LFO’s with modwheel control and an 8-step sequencer called the Stepper. For those who need to punish their sounds even further, Stratum includes a unique XY Pad which can mix in a Bit Crusher, Dirty Phaser, Wah Wah, and a Non-Linear Delay.

Arpeggiator enthusiasts will be happy to see not one, but TWO arpeggiators, one for the Supersaw synth and one for the FM synth. And too add the final polish to your sounds and tracks, Stratum includes built in Chorus, Phaser, Delay and Reverb effects.

Stratum key features:

• Supersaw FM Synthesizer with Noise and Sub Oscillators
• Individual arpeggiators for the Supersaw and FM synths
• Dynamic Filters including Low-Pass Filters with Resonance, Vocal Formant and Tube Distortion
• Unique XY Effects pad for additional bit crushing, dirty phasing, wah-wah and non-linear delay effects
• Simple but powerful Modulation Matrix featuring 4 LFOs and an 8-step sequencer
• Built in Reverb, Delay, Phaser, and Chorus effects

System Requirements

Mac

• OS 10.10 or later
• 4GB RAM (8GB’s recommended)
• 2 GB’s free disc space
• Intel Core i5, i7, 2.3GHz processor or higher
• Core Audio driver

Windows

• Windows (x64) OS 8, 8.1, 10
• 4GB RAM (8GB’s recommended)
• 2 GB’s free disc space
• Intel Core i5, i7, 2.3GHz processor or higher
• ASIO sound driver

Pricing and Availability:
Stratum is available to purchase now for the special intro price of £86.95 (RRP £174.95) from Plugin Boutique.

Universal Audio has announced the UA2-2 Live Rack, a 16-channel MADI effects processor that provides a hardware and software system for integrating UAD Powered Plug-Ins into a live sound environment…

A total of 4 Live Racks can be combined to process up to 64 MADI channels, with each Rack hardware unit promising sub-2-milliseconds latency when running UAD plug-ins. On the software side, front-of-house engineers can utilise features like drag and drop, copy and paste, keyboard navigation, plug-in zoom, and the ability to store and recall channel strip presets and/or complete setup configuration snapshots.

The UA2-2 Live Rack comes in both Core and Ultimate bundles, which determines the quantity and variety of plug-ins included, though each bundle will contain the UAD Antares Auto-Tune Realtime plug-in, which Universal Audio tell us will enable low latency pitch correction during live shows.

UA2-2 Live Rack Core features:

• Generous suite of UAD plug-ins out of the box including:
  • Teletronix LA-2A
  • 176LN Compressors
  • Pultec EQs and more

UA2-2 Live Rack Ultimate features:

• Over 90 UAD plug-ins including exclusive titles from:
  • SSL
  • Studer
  • Neve
  • Manley
  • Lexicon
  • API
  • Fender
  • Moog and many more

Pricing and Availability:
UA@-2 Live Rack is due to ship in June 2018 for an estimated street price of $2,999 USD for the Core bundle, and $5,999 for the Ultimate bundle. For further information head to the Universal Audio website.

Image-Line is celebrating 20 years with the release of FL Studio 20, which introduces native Mac support, Time Signatures and will carry on the company’s Lifetime Free Updates…

FL Studio 20 key features:

• Mac version – FL Studio is now available for macOS 10.11 and higher. It’s a native 64-Bit application Including support for Mac VST and AU plugins. Projects made on Mac and Windows are interchangeable. Project interoperability extends to 3rd party plugins installed on both platforms. Existing, Lifetime Free Update, and new customers can unlock FL Studio for Mac and Windows at no extra cost. One license to rule them all!
• Time Signatures – FL Studio now supports Time Signatures, including unlimited Time Signature changes, independently in both the Playlist and Patterns (Piano rolls). FL Studio’s unique pattern system enables, simultaneous and multiple Time Signatures at any point in the Playlist.
• In-situ rendering (‘freezing’) – Bounce selected Audio and Pattern Clips to audio. Options include; Consolidate Playlist Clip selections or complete tracks. Render Clips to Audio, Render Clips to audio and replace Playlist Pattern Clips. Use these features to compile audio-takes into a single Audio Clip, reduce CPU load by converting real-time synthesis and effects processing to audio or convert MIDI to audio for further processing and resynthesis.
• Playlist Arrangements – The Playlist now supports multiple ‘Arrangements’ (Playlists). Each Arrangement is the complete layout of Audio, Automation and Pattern Clips. Users can now work with multiple versions of their project saving ideas, sound design and ‘arrangements’.
• Plugin Delay Compensation (PDC) – PDC and Automatic PDC have been rebuilt, from the ground up, to support today’s complex workflows. Manual and Auto-PDC can now co-exist. Updates include: Mixer send compensation, Wet/Dry mixer FX compensation, Audio input compensation, Metronome compensation, Plugin Wrapper custom values remembered per-plugin and improved PDC controls in the Mixer.

Pricing and Availability:
FL Studio 20 is available to purchase now, starting at €89, or you can try out the free trial. For further information head to the Image-Line website.

MeldaProduction’s MSpectralDelay is free to download until the 3rd June for anyone who sign in or registers to their Melda account…

Combining 20 delay plugins in one, Melda tells us that MSpectralDelay is an extremely powerful, and complex creation. Unlike traditional delay plugins, the Spectral can transform individual frequencies. Users can control the delay time, feedback, panorama and level (EQ) as well as spectral transformations on pitch, frequency shift and formants. Despite it’s complex workings, Melda say it’s still easy-to-use for beginngers.

Pricing and Availability:
MSpectralDelay is available for free until June 3rd, usual price €99 (± $120). To claim your free copy simply sign in or register here and claim your free licence. For further information head to the Melda website.

PreSonus has announced the release of Studio One 4, a major new update to their DAW that “combines the best of the traditional recording studio model with the modern methods of creating beat- and groove-oriented music.” Here’s the full story in PreSonus’ own words…

Top-of-the-line Studio One 4 Professional’s new Harmonic Editing features give you freedom to try out harmonies, transpositions, and chord progressions. The Chord Track goes far beyond a simple chord track for note data, working with instrument tracks and audio tracks for fast, efficient, multi-dimensional arranging and transposition. An ingenious Chord Selector makes it easy to experiment with new chord patterns and ideas. Built-in chord detection extracts chords from audio or instrument tracks. The combination of Harmonic Editing and Studio One’s Arranger Track and Scratch Pads makes Studio One the most flexible program ever for arranging and testing out new song ideas.

The step sequencer has served us well but it’s time for a fresh approach. Studio One Patterns, found in all editions of Studio One 4, integrate with Instrument Parts and automation, offering many more expressive possibilities than typical step sequencers. Patterns can live side-by-side with conventional Instrument Parts on the same track.

Studio One 4’s Musical Editor adds deeper editing features, speeds up the editing workflow, and simplifies recurring tasks. An innovative, streamlined Drum Editor enables editing drum parts as fast as you can think. Control over note events is greatly enhanced. Note event editing options also have been updated and extended. The powerful Macro system now offers added flexibility.

New in Studio One Artist and Studio One Professional, Impact XT adds more than 20 new features, transforming the Impact drum module into a complete production environment for beats and loops. Sample One XT has expanded from sample playback into a sampling powerhouse and features a wealth of synthesis-type options. In addition, you can drag-and-drop samples between Sample One XT and Impact XT and exchange samples with instruments like Presence XT using a common exchange file format.

PreSonus worked with Celemony on the original Audio Random Access (ARA) spec that allows for seamless integration with Melodyne. Studio One 4 is ready for ARA 2.0, which provides access to data from multiple tracks. Version 4 also eases the process of switching from other DAWs to Studio One by supporting AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) for data exchange with Pro Tools, Logic, Nuendo, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, and more.

Pricing and Availability:
Studio One 4 is available to purchase now for £85.20 (Artist) or £344.40 (Professional). Upgrade and crossgrade is also available, for prices and further information head to the PreSonus website.

Mercuriall Audio have released the Chorus WS-1, a new chorus pedal plugin that is free to download and joins their growing list of “free stuff”…

It’s a nice simple interface, featuring Depth, Speed, Mix, Mono/Stereo and On/Off controls. The plugin joins Mercuriall’s free Ibanez tube-screamer and Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer pedal modelling plugins. Additionally, you can find several different amp modellers available to download for free and play around with.

Pricing and Availability:
The Chorus WS-1 is available to download now for both PC and Mac.

Originally released with Reason 10 at the tail-end of last year, the Europa wavetable synth blew us away with its power and versatility. Now, non-Reason users can experience it inside their DAW of choice as well as a free browser version…

It’s easy to see why many would crave Europa, which features over 30 engine models and wavetables, 24 filter types, advanced modulation and powerful effects. Should you still require a little persuading, Propellerhead has also developed a free web version, which is a first of its kind. Give it a try here.

“Having recently updated Europa with exciting new features like sample loading and advanced spectral processing, we’re now thrilled to make Reason’s flagship synth available to everyone,” said Ernst Nathorst-Böös, CEO of Propellerhead. “This marks the first time one of Reason’s devices has been made available as a plugin for other digital audio workstations and on the web. Europa will allow even more music makers to quickly create exciting new sounds.”

Pricing & Availability:
For a limited-time only, Propellerhead is offering Europa for £89/$99/€99 until June 30, 2018 (usually £134/$149/€149). All Reason 10 owners will get the Europa VST/AU plugin free. To purchase and for further information head to the Europa page.

Renowned for their painstaking creation of sample libraries and virtual instruments, Spitfire Audio is bringing that quality to everybody for free with the relaunch of LABS…

Alongside their extensive libraries, Spitfire have become more prevalent thanks to their artist collaborations, most notably Hans Zimmer and Olafur Arnalds. However, Spitfire’s attention to detail does drive the price, making it accessible only to professionals and/or those with disposable income. However, LABS (Let’s All Become Something) will change all that and remove the barrier to entry.

Originally beginning life as a series of experiments and the cool sounds that were created, the project was rather low key. Now though, Spitfire tells us that this will be a different experience, one that they hope will create an exciting and inspirational wave in the music making community.

Initially launching with the Soft Piano and a new Strings library, the two instruments – which have been designed in collaboration with UsTwo (Monument Valley) – can instantly be downloaded and operated within a dedicated plugin (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX). New LABS will be released each month, with Spitfire promising a mix of key traditional instruments as well as some experiments discovered along the way.

Download Soft Piano and Strings here.

Ableton has released Creative Extensions, a new set of tools that aim to expand the sound design capabilities in Live…

Made up of eight tools, this new collection was created in collaboration with Amazing Noises, and includes new ways to pitch shift and sequence melodies and delays, creative and characterful studio processing, a device that creates reverb-like spaces, and two revamped Max for Live synths.

Creative Extensions include:

• Melodic Steps – a fast and intuitive MIDI sequencer for evolving melodies with an interface designed to encourage experimentation and new discoveries through play.
• Bass – a monophonic virtual analog synthesizer for bass sounds from classically deep and clean to heavily distorted, rumbling tones. Now with four individually tunable oscillators.
• Poli – a virtual analog synth designed for classic polyphonic chords and phrases. Its vintage character comes from de-tunable oscillators, a powerful modulation section, built-in chorus and more.
• Pitch Hack – a single delay line with transposition control, as well as the ability to reverse audio, randomize the transposition interval and fold the delayed signal back into itself.
• Gated Delay – a delay with a gate sequencer that sends the incoming signal to a delay line on activated steps. Much like a send effect that is turned on and off in a defined rhythm.
• Color Limiter – another flavor of limiting inspired by the gritty sounds achievable with hardware limiters. The Saturation and Color parameters are the key to its characterful sound.
• Re-Enveloper – a multiband envelope processor that divides the signal into three adjustable frequency bands. Attack and Release knobs control the responsiveness of the effect.
• Spectral Blur – creates sounds and textures best described as reverb-like. A user-defined frequency range of a signal is blurred to create a dense cloud of sound.

Creative Extensions were created in collaboration with Amazing Noises.

Pricing and Availability:
Creative Extensions are now included in Ableton Live 10 Suite, which is available to purchase from the Ableton Shop. Users who already own Live 10 Suite or own Live 10 Standard and Max for Live can download the devices directly in the Live 10 browser or from their account at Ableton.com.

NuGen Audio’s SigMod is a new utility plugin that features 11 different signal modification units to help enhance the functionality of your plug-ins and DAW. Here, Joshua Casper presents four videos showing the ins and outs…

Instantly enhance the functionality of your plug-ins and DAW with eleven different signal modification units. Explore new creative possibilities and quickly add missing features. Each module can easily be inserted, swapped and moved around making new options to correct, convert or tweak your audio.

With eleven single-process modules, SigMod contains many useful, creative functions which are unobtainable or otherwise difficult to engage. Combine these single-process modules in any order to design the precise routing you require. Auto-resizing keeps the signal flow and functionality clear at all times.

For your plug-ins

Add mid/side functionality to classic stereo compressor and EQ emulations, or get creative with mid/side delays, distortion and many other effects by inserting the mid/side encoder/decoder either side of any left/right plug-in instance.

Insert the Protect unit across your output bus and this safety module will automatically cut in to prevent bursts of noise or feedback howls due to system errors, saving both your nerves and your speakers. Manual or auto reset options give you the level of protection you need.

Want to try some parallel processing? Drop in the Tap module and you are good to go. Use the Crossover module to split the highs from the lows to apply different effects to different frequency ranges – great for avoiding muddying up the low frequencies or getting creative with automation and sweep effects.

For your DAW

Several of SigMod’s modules offer easy access to functionality which is either missing from certain DAWs, or at least complicated to access natively. Solo/mute or trim the left and right sides of a stereo signal independently, or easily flip the stereo image in one click. Quickly detect and correct DC offset to retain valuable headroom.

How does your mix sound in mono? Think about how many listeners will be using a phone or a DAB radio with one speaker – the Mono module switches your signal from stereo to mono in one click. You can also check the phase relationship between your left and right channels with the Phase module.

Full list of modules

• Mid/Side
• Protect
• Mono
• Switch
• Delay
• Phase
• Trim
• DC offset
• Tap
• Mute/Solo
• Crossover

System Requirements
Mac OSX 10.7.x / 512 MB RAM
Windows XP or above / 512 MB RAM

Pricing and Availability:
SigMod is available through Plugin Boutique for the introductory price of £19 (usually £35). To purchase and for further information head here.

With the return of LABS less than a week ago, Spitfire Audio continues to amp things up with the announcement of Solo Strings, an all-new accompaniment to the Symphonic and Chamber arsenal…

Where their previous libraries showcased the full orchestral sound, Solo Strings aims to bring the intimacy and detail of a single voice. Designed to stand out, it features ‘first call London virtuosos,’ the same location, signal chain, mic positions and range of articulations that can be found through Spitfire’s previous offerings.

Pricing and Availability:
Solo Strings will release for the promotional price of £299/$339/€339 (usually £349/$399/€399). Spitfire tells us that the release date will be announced shortly. For further information head to their website.

Output has launched Arcade, their brand-new playable loop synthesiser that will receive new content every day and promises to be the Netflix for music makers…

The summation of several year’s work, Arcade is unlike other loop software thanks to a series of deep and powerful tools that enable you to transform your loops into something that sounds like you.

So how does it work?

The plugin houses a selection of playable kits that contain curated loops featuring 11 effects, customisable sliders, advanced modulation and Output’s proprietary black key modifiers for easy on the fly tweaks. All loops are tempo and pitch-locked, but can be changed in a snap to suit your needs. Best of all, users can also drag and drop their own loops and samples into the plugin and manipulate them using the same tools.

“All you have to do is watch someone use Arcade for 5 minutes and you grasp the impact this will have on music production,” says founder and CEO Gregg Lehrman. “Our goal from day one has always been to help musicians be creative. I think this is a huge next step in the fulfilment of that vision and can’t wait to hear how it inspires and transforms music.”

Arcade key features:

• Arcade is a software plugin that is compatible with all major recording programs
• Cloud browsing delivers new product lines, kits and loops directly within plugin.
• User can add their own loops and samples by drag and drop
• New content available daily
• All audio locks to tempo and key
• 15-voice Loop synthesizer
• Transform loops on the fly with Output’s proprietary modifiers
• 11 effects, 4 sliders and deep modulation capabilities
• 15 channel mixer with 4 insert master bus and 2 bus sends
• Audio previewing in original and session tempo/key
• Search, browse and sort by tag to find quickly
• Offline mode enables use without internet
• Input Quantize for tightening live performances

Technical Specifications

• OSX AU/VST/VST3/AAX
• WIN VST/VST3/AAX32/64bit

Pricing and Availability:
Arcade is available for only $10/month and free for the first 100 days, and is updated with new features, product lines and loops all the time. To download and for more information head to Output.com.

Sonarworks SR tells us that Sonarworks SR is a “groundbreaking new digital sound standard” arriving in the next update for their Reference 4 software. Here’s the full story in their own words…

Riga, Latvia, June 5, 2018 – Pioneering European audio software developer Sonarworks has established a groundbreaking new digital sound standard, to be included with the latest update of company’s revolutionary Reference 4 sound calibration software launching in early June. The standardization methodology, called Sonarworks SR, promises to resolve the age-old industry problem of disparate sonic reference points for audio professionals — delivering the same accurate studio reference sound on speakers and headphones.

By using patented, research-driven digital technologies, Sonarworks SR sets the frequency response to be like completely neutral speakers in a treated room. The calibration of headphones is done using a calibration profile pre-measured in Sonarworks lab, while speaker calibration profile is produced by a user on-the-spot using Sonarworks measurement software.

Solving an age-old problem for a new generation

“The entire professional audio community is acutely aware of the fact that every room and every headphone invariably has the effect of coloring sound. This has had an enormous negative impact on both costs and productivity — not to mention creative workflow. We estimate that at least one-third of the effort in the music industry is spent dealing with translation issues,” said Martins Popelis, VP and co-Founder of Sonarworks.

“By establishing Sonarworks SR, we have an opportunity to align the entire audio industry on a common audio reference that works with unprecedented accuracy across different locations, devices and operators. We want to liberate music creators from monitoring translation issues so they can focus on musical decisions rather than working around the physical limitations of their room and gear,” he added.

Starting with the latest update to Reference 4, Sonarworks SR will be included in all of Sonarworks software products, effectively reducing the need for professionals to check their mixes on different listening systems while dramatically improving workflow and production times.

“With the launch of Sonarworks SR, Sonarworks brings us a much needed new standard on headphone calibration and compatibility,” comments Rafa Sardina, a twelve time Grammy award winning producer and audio engineer. With many more nominations in his pocket, Rafa is one of many studio professionals worldwide who feel that a new standard would greatly improve music production.

A new standard with professional ingredients

The Sonarworks SR standard is comprised of patented sound measurement technology and professional grade signal processing. The result is unprecedented accuracy (+/- 0.9 dB) among different locations, playback devices and users. The standard works equally well on both loudspeakers and headphones and is simple to set up.

Sonarworks SR also employs an innovative speaker measurement methodology that captures sound from 37 data-source points — which was determined by Sonarworks researchers to be the optimal point count providing superb accuracy and measurement repeatability.

For more information about Sonarworks SR, please visit http://www.sonarworks.com.

IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 4 guitar and bass software has recently received a new Live mode for use with the company’s iRig Stomp I/O USB pedalboard controller. Here’s IK with the full story…

June 20, 2018 – This update provides a clear and intuitive visual indication of the status between the pedalboard and AmpliTube. Users can access an at-a-glance visual indication of their entire signal chain and important settings such as presets and pedals.

What’s new in Live mode

Live mode is activated when iRig Stomp I/O is connected and can be shown or hidden at any moment. The page offers an overall view of the current chain, a section with presets (grouped in fours, matching the four iRig Stomp I/O switches) and a section displaying current connections between AmpliTube models and iRig Stomp I/O switches and pedal.

Additional new features

New features for iRig Stomp I/O MIDI integration were added, including MIDI controllable Master Volume. Presets can now be assigned to Program Changes more quickly with the addition of a dedicated drop down menu. General reliability improvements have also been made.

About AmpliTube

AmpliTube is the world’s most powerful guitar and bass tone studio for Mac/PC and works both as a standalone application and as a plug-in for most popular recording software. It recreates the entire guitar/bass signal chain from instrument to recording device in a hyper-realistic and intuitive way. Users can browse and purchase collections of gear models from the world’s top gear manufacturers including Fender®, Ampeg®, Orange®, Soldano®, Seymour Duncan®, Mesa Boogie®, Gallien Krueger®, Leslie® and more, plus signature gear from artists like Slash and the late Jimi Hendrix.

About iRig Stomp I/O

iRig Stomp I/O is a new generation of USB pedalboard controllers for live and studio use, featuring a built-in audio interface. It has 4 built-in switches along with an expression pedal, and features a professional high-definition audio interface with 24-bit audio and up to 96kHz sampling rate, a combo input jack for line, instrument or mic input with phantom power, a balanced stereo output and a high quality ¼” headphone output.

How to obtain
The AmpliTube 4.6 update is free for all registered AmpliTube users and can be accessed from the IK website User Area in the “My Products” section at www.ikmultimedia.com/userarea

Steinberg are launching the #ComposeWithDorico, a new campaign to save music education in schools with a free giveaway of their music-making software Dorico Elements…

The initiative will gift Dorico Elements, the music notation software, to around 100 schools across the country. The chosen schools will be asked to produce a short piece of music using the software, which will then be compiled by music experts to create the most collaborative piece of music of all time. The piece will later be performed at a special concert later in the year.

According to Steinberg spokesperson Daniel Spreadbury, the launch of the campaign #ComposeWithDorico comes at a time when music education is taking a back to seat to more traditional, academic subjects.

He said: “There’s a lot to gain from music, and not just the enjoyment listening and playing brings. In fact, it’s proven that music can also help with improvements in language abilities and self-confidence, as well as increasing concentration and empathy.

“Despite all of this, music education is struggling. Lack of funding, Governmental changes to the education system and a range of other factors has meant that music education is no longer seen as a priority, particularly when pitted against more traditional, core subjects.

“We want to change that. That’s why we’re taking this decisive step to bring music back into education with this campaign.”

Research undertaken by Sussex University’s School of Education and Social Work revealed that unless concerted action is taken, music education in secondary schools ‘could face extinction’. With Government figures highlighting the creative industries contribution – close to £92 billion – to the economy, it’s paramount that the new of creative individiuals are getting the support they need in education.

Daniel Spreadbury added: “Dorico is committed to supporting musicians at every level and we hope this campaign will not only spark the public’s imagination, but get people making music together.”

DynOne version 2 is a significant upgrade to Leapwing Audio’s multi-band parellel compressor plugin, bringing with it a host of new features and unique design…

We’re told that thanks to ultra subtle and transparent sounding crossover filters, version 2’s digital circuitry will allow users to blend compressed filter bands with the original signal, meaning you can shape and tonalize your sound without squashing your dynamics.

Amongst its new features, version 2 allows you to set both the minimum and maximum values for attack and release. Additionally, envelope detection can be tuned to RMS, Peak Detection, or anything in between, using a simple slider. There’s also the inclusion of Multi-Monno or Stereo Input channel linking and variable weighted sidechain input of each band.

Key features:

• Compression controls for each of the 5 bands
• Parallel mode, adding the compressed signal to the original
• Variable peak to RMS detection
• Multi-mono to stereo channel linking with variable control
• Upward expansion option per band
• You can set minimum and maximum values for both the attack and release. The compression will use times closer to the minimum when the crest factor is high and closer to maximum when it’s low.
• Weighting option to tweak the sidechain input mix for each of the bands. The weighted mix can now vary between its own band and a combination of adjacent bands, bringing it closer to single compressor behaviour.
• Option to choose between Ultra Quality or Low Latency crossover filters.
• New Loudness metering

Pricing and Availability:
DynOne version 2 is now available for €199/$199 or £179, supporting both Windows and Mac OS X in VST2, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX plug-in formats. Download a free 14-day trial at www.leapwingaudio.com

After years spent cultivating a top-notch catalogue of loops and samples, Loopmasters has released their first instrument Bass Master…

Dedicated to bass and built on Loopmasters’ award-winning sonic history, Bass Master is a synth suitable for House, Techno, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Trap, Hip Hop and many other electronic music. Thanks to a dense variety of sound sources, the new synth instrument promises a weighty, powerful bass tone.

With 217 waveforms spread across two layers, Bass Master can create almost 50,000 combinations. It comes with over 350 mix-ready presets that are all accessible through its clean and simple interface. Each preset’s parameters are ready-mapped to the 3-slot mod wheel matrix, allowing each patch to modulate throughout your track. Additionally, it features 13 filter types, distortion, stereo chorus and reverb send effects, all of which feature different algorithms to help sculpt your preferred sound.

Bass Master key features:

• • Authentic Immense Sound – Two sample-based oscillators with 217 waveforms sampled from the best modern and vintage bass sources.
  • Endless inspiration – Over 350 Presets from professional sound designers and top artists, plus waveform randomisation for instant modification.
  • Shape your sound – 13 Filter types with dedicated filter envelope and LFO modulation
  • Boost the bass – Unique three-band Frequency Booster for added crispness, body and bass.
  • Add dirt, width and space – Distortion, Chorus and Reverb effects offer a choice of algorithms.
  • Mod-wheel macro – Assign any three parameters to the mod wheel.
  • Sculpt powerful transients – ADSR (Top) and AR (Sub) Envelopes, Signal Mixer.
  • Keep the low-end clean – Direct Out control for the Sub, Sample Start selection for the Top layer.
  • Take global control – Legato/Portamento playback with Glide, Pitchbend up to +/-12 semitones.
  • 64-bit VST/AU plugin for PC and Mac

  
  

  Pricing and Availability:
  Bass Master is available now for the introductory price of £49.95/€59.00/$69.00 until 6th August 2018 (usually £69.95/€85.00/$99.00). To purchase or for further information head to the product page here.
  
  

New developer Denise is taking user feedback to the next level with their design your own plug-in contest, with one lucky winner’s idea being made…

Denise has supplied a template on the competition page, which can be changed as much as you like. Controls can be added or removed to suit your preference and for the multi-talented folks out there, you can even supply a new design to replace the original.

You’re also required to give your plug-in a name, which we foresee taking more time than the creation for some, as well as explaining what your plug-in does. You can send ideas to Denise up to the 12th August 2018, and they will announce a winner on the 20th August, who will be offered a contract and agree to distribution rights and revenue share with Denise.

The competition isn’t the only thing in the works at Denise HQ. The developer has three new plug-ins in the works; Saturator, New York Compressor and Transient Booster. We’ve been informed that more plug-ins are soon to follow.

Enter the competition here.

Nektar Technology have released a new range of Panorama MIDI Controllers: the T-series features deeper plugin control than ever before, DAW controls and versatile performance features. Read on for official info and look out for review soon!

Official Info

Panorama T4 and T6 bring the touch and feel of hardware synthesizers to virtual instruments by providing instant access to plugin parameters from the hardware. The T-series controllers achieve this courtesy of the new Nektarine plugin control manager software.

With Nektarine, Panorama users can control any VST, VST3 or AU instrument with one of the many included maps or by creating their own. Every plugin parameter change is instantly visible on the hardware display. Nektarine’s graphic UI makes the customization of existing maps and the creation of new ones easy. Maps can be as simple or comprehensive as required, screened synth parameters below Panorama T4/T6’s buttons in the fader section can even be mapped to access parameter groups in plugins such as Oscillator, LFO or Filter.

So the encoder mapping will follow suit at the press of a button, multiplying the number of available hardware controls manifold.

Nektarine also includes patch library management, making a plugin’s sounds effectively cross-DAW compatible, simplifying the use of plugins across multiple DAWs.

DAW control of almost any available DAW is also included: Even without installing any additional software, standard mixing, track selection and transport functionality works out of the box if a DAW is MCU (Mackie® Control Universal) compatible. Advanced features, like access to mixer sends or smart controls in Logic, “grab” plugin control in Reaper or Cubase and device control in e.g. Reason or Bitwig becomes available once Nektar DAW integration is installed.





Nektar DAW integration is a complete DAW control experience, but the addition of Nektarine expands it with a comprehensive plugin instrument control system.

“Nektar is known for stretching the limits of what’s possible with DAW integration and we continue that work with the new Panorama T4 and T6”, says Nektar chief Niels Larsen. “The introduction of Nektarine allows us to go beyond a DAW’s control options. It delivers a discreet, consistent user experience with expanded functionality such as hosting of up to 8 plugins at a time, map editing and patch browsing from Panorama T4/T6. And because Nektarine runs in any VST/AU compatible DAW, Nektar plugin control is now accessible to music creators using almost any DAW, for the first time.”

No less than 62 physical hardware controls, buttons and faders put a lot of control power under musician’s fingertips – and that’s not counting shift or alternate functions.

The crisp LED Display provides real-time parameter names and feedback. A 49 or 61 key 2nd generation synth-action keyboard with medium tension and aftertouch ensures expressive playability.

This list could go on: A fader bank with nine 30 mm faders, 8 LED buttons, 8 encoders, illuminated transport controls, 8 LED drum pads with aftertouch. The new Note Repeat feature for keys and pads offers many real-time parameters and its own fully MIDI-syncable on-board timing engine.

This provides players and producers alike with new creative tools: From staccato chords to programming hi-hat lines with varying accents simply by activating the Repeat button, there are many creative applications for this new feature. Chords can also be learnt to the pads, making it possible to play complex solos and chords at the same time, even sending data on different MIDI channels.

Together, a Panorama T-series keyboard, the Nektarine software and Nektar DAW Control
provide a powerful integrated system experience, further closing the gap between.

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Nektarine universal deep plugin control
• Supports VST 2.4, VST 3 and AU plugins
• Allows loading of VST plugins in AU hosts and vice versa
• Instant deep plugin remote control access from the hardware in any compatible DAW
• library manager
• Includes maps for many popular instrument plugins and their factory libraries
• Graphic map parameter editor
• Works independent of Nektar DAW Integration

Panorama T4/T6 Nektar DAW/MCU Integration currently supports:
Apple Logic/Garageband, Bitwig 8-Track/Studio, Cockos Reaper, Propellerhead Reason, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, MCU control additionally provides compatibility with Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, MOTU Digital, Performer, Image-Line FL Studio and Presonus Studio One. A special mode provides Avid Pro Tools compatibility. Panorama T4/T6 keyboard

• 49 (T4) or 61 (T6) note 2nd generation synth-action keyboard with velocity and aftertouch
• 8 LED (green/red/orange) illuminated pads
• Independent note repeat for keys and pads
• Pad bank button to switch between pads 1-8 and 9-16

• 9 MIDI-assignable 30 mm faders
• 8 MIDI-assignable encoders
• LCD Display with 128×64 px and 4 menu soft buttons
• 4 Navigation buttons (with shift for another 4 assignments)
• 6 Transport Buttons with LED illumination (with shift for 6 secondary functions)
• 4 Mode Buttons: Mixer, Instrument, Multi and Internal
• 10 user configurable presets
• 8 pad map presets
• 5 velocity curves (Soft2, Soft1, Standard, Hard1, Hard2 plus adjustable fixed velocity)
• Pitch bend & Modulation wheels
• Octave shift buttons
• Key & Pad Repeat On/Off Buttons
• Focus button displays current parameter line in large font

Connections
• MIDI Out socket
• Foot Switch jack socket (6.3 mm)
• Expression Pedal jack socket (6.3 mm)
• USB port (USB-powered)
Weight & Dimensions
T4: 82 cm (L) x 27.7 cm (D) x 8 cm(H), 6.4 kgs
T6: 98 cm (L) x 27.7 cm (D) x 8 cm(H), 7.6 kgs

System Requirements
Panorama T4/T6: USB class compliant (no driver needed) works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu)

Nektar DAW Integration: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

Nektar DAW Integration documentation or marketing information for support of legacy DAW
versions. Nektarine: Windows 7,8,10 or higher. Mac OS X 10.7 or higher.

Pricing and availability (MSRP):
T4 $349.99 US / £279.99 / €349.99
T6 $399.99 US / £349.99 / €

Find out more at www.nektartech.com